Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach . . .

Fernandina Beach is on Amelia Island at Florida's northeast border. The city hosts the popular Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and is known for great golf. Downtown Fernandina Beach also offers boutique shopping and a range of scrumptious restaurants. With 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and clear, calm waters, Amelia Island with its quaint charm has been a beloved destination for generations. Its upscale resorts and world-class spas combine with a charming collection of bed and breakfasts, historic sites and captivating festivals for an experience that’s uniquely Floridian. Come experience why Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island have consistently been among Florida’s highest-ranked island destinations.


During certain times throughout the year, visitors to Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island have the opportunity to witness and participate in various events and festivals.

Upcoming events . . .

Amelia Island Book Festival. Wordsmiths gather on Amelia Island each year for the Book Festival, featuring author talks, workshops, readings, luncheons and celebrations of the love of books in historic Fernandina Beach. There is also a FEATURED FREE KID’s AREA: Activities for children, readings by authors, geared to kids aged 3-12.  See full details of schedule at the Amelia Island Book Festival’s website.

St. Michael Academy's Spring Carnival March 9th - 12th, 2017
Central Park
www.smacarnival.com

Eight Flags Road Tour Car Display
March 10th
8:30am-2:00pm
Downtown Fernandina Beach along Centre Street
www.ameliaconcours.org/event-schedule.aspx

Relay for Life
May 20th
3:00-9:00pm
Main Beach Park
www.main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=81667

Jekyll Island, Georgia . . .

It's not Florida, but . . .

If you visit North Florida, it's defiantly worth the short drive to experience this amazing hidden gem.

 

 

 

Jekyll island is haven of history, beauty and wonder. Here, guests are whisked back to eras gone by and uncover the heritage that makes the island undeniably unique.

 

 

 

 



Pulitzer, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and other prestigious families found respite on the Island in its gilded era, developing the club that became their own private world for more than four decades.

Jekyll Island’s exquisite natural beauty has long drawn guests to its barrier shores. From the Native American and British settlers to the Jekyll Island Club millionaires and the thousands of guests who arrive today, the Island is a haven of history and wonder.

Jekyll Island is guaranteed to complete your vacation wish list; spectacular beauty and an abundance of options make Georgia’s jewel the getaway experience perfect for everyone. With ten miles of picturesque beaches, four award-winning golf courses, a 250 acre historic landmark district and an array of lodging choices, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

 

More information

Fort Clinch . . .

A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country.

Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort.

 

Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.

A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.

For more information, visit Florida State Parks

North Florida Summer Events . . .

NORTH FLORIDA

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — Scallywags beware! The dread pirate Billy Bowlegs and his nefarious crew are sailing the Gulf’s emerald waters of the Panhandle looking for the perfect spot to celebrate another successful year at sea. In addition to the pirate ship landing and family festival, other swashbuckling events include a Pirate Pub Crawl, Fireworks and Torchlight Parade.
When: June 4-8
Where: Fort Walton Beach
Web: billybowlegsfestival.com

DIGITAL GRAFFITI — Digital Graffiti is an innovative and dynamic event that explores how art and architecture can intermix. During the three-night event, 27 digital artists from around the world will showcase original works on Alys Beach’s iconic white walls,
When: June 4-6
Where: Alys Beach
Web: digitalgraffiti.com

RENDEZVOUS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL transforming the typically serene town into a visually stunning and vibrant art space. — Let your creative juices flow during this 9-day fest geared toward budding filmmakers, up-and-coming musicians and gamers. It’s a movie lovers dream: seven films will have red carpet premieres; plus there will be screening 37 animated films, nine feature films, 25 international feature and short films and 10 documentaries.
When: June 5-13
Where: various venues, Amelia Island
Web: rendezvousfestival.org

DRAKE’S RAID — In 1586, the English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his band of raiders invaded the city of St. Augustine and burned the city. The two-day 28th reenactment begins on Friday with news of the arrival of the British marauders and continues on Saturday with a battle between the British and Spanish in the historic district, ending at Plaza de la Constitucion.
When: June 5-6
Where: Fountain of Youth Park, St. Augustine
Web: hfm.club/events/annual/drakesraid

SUN, SAND AND SONGS — Kick off your shoes and get your groove on during these two beachfront music festivals. Perdido Key’s Third Annual Shindig on the Sand features at least 70 musical acts during three days. On the east coast, make your way to Jacksonville Beach for a taste of the Bold City at the Seawalk Music Festival which emphasizes all things local: music, food and culture.
When: June 5-7 (Shindig on the Sand), June 20 (Seawalk Music Festival)
Where: Flora-Bama in Perdido Key and Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, respectively
Web: florabama.com/events/shindig-on-the-sand, communityfirstseawalkmusicfest.com

22ND ANNUAL WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Indulge in all things blueberry: from cobblers and pies to ice cream and jellies to syrups and fudge. This year’s theme is “Come Clown Around.” The day includes the crowning the blueberry queen and king, water walkers, ponies, the blueberry parade, the blueberry bake-off and a blueberry pancake breakfast. Blueberry bushes will be for sale.
When: June 6
Where: Andrews Square, Wellborn
Web: wellborncommunityassociation.com/BlueberryFestival

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS AND WORLD WAR II: AN AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE— Learn the role that The Yearling author played during World War II as recounted through her books and through the letters of her wartime correspondence with servicemen and women. Park Manager Valeri Rivers will lead the discussion that is part of a Victory Florida program for the 70-year anniversary of V-Day.
When: June 6
Where: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Hawthorn
Web: floridastateparks.org/park/Marjorie-Kinnan-Rawlings

SEED SPITTIN’ SHINDIGS — Mark Twain said, “When one has tasted a watermelon he knows what angels eat.” True or not, get ready to indulge in the juicy fruit at one of these annual fests: the Watermelon Festival in Chiefland, the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival and the 59h Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival. All include parades, live music, running (5K or 10K) and, of course, a seed-spitting contest.
When: June 6 (Watermelon Festival); June 19-20 (Jefferson County Watermelon Festival);  June 26-27 (Panhandle Watermelon Festival)
Where: Chiefland, Monticello and Chipley, respectively
Web: chieflandchamber.com/watermelon, monticellojeffersonfl.com/event/watermelon-festival, panhandlewatermelon.com

18TH ANNUAL FLORIDA AFRICAN DANCE FESTIVAL — Kick off your shoes and let the frenetic beat consume you during one of the dance or drum workshops at this annual event sponsored by the African Caribbean Dance Theatre. Workshops include traditional dance styles from the Congo, Senegal and Guinea taught by renowned instructors. Also includes children’s workshops and story hours, a wheelchair dance class and evening performance concerts.
When: June 11-13
Where: Tallahassee Community College
Web: fadf.org

PLEIN AIR, PAPER & POTTERY — Experience St. Augustine’s breathtaking beachfront and salt marshes through the eyes of artist Matthew J. Cutter. Cutter’s new exhibit features a body of work created “en plein air,” or painted on location outdoors and onsite. Talk with him about artistic inspiration and painting techniques at the two-day opening of the exhibit.
When: June 12-13
Where: Cutter & Cutter Fine Art Galleries
Web: cutterandcutter.com

LATIN SALSA FESTIVAL — Play a friendly game of dominoes or work on your hot salsa moves at this annual fete geared to the Puerto Rican and Caribbean lifestyle. DJs will spin merengue and reggae tunes, the Tallahassee Salsa Dancers will perform as will other well-known Latin-American acts. Also includes Caribbean food and a kids’ zone.
When: June 13
Where: Fort Walton Landing Park
Web: boricuasausentes.org

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Spend the weekend in the heart of the Suwannee River Valley in beautiful Jasper, just south of the Florida/Georgia state line in Hamilton County. Explore three of the state’s meandering rivers — the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Alapaha — either on foot or by boat, then head to downtown Jasper for the town’s sixth annual festival featuring blackberry pancakes, cobblers, jams and jellies, as well as live music, family activities and craft vendors.
When: June 13
Where: downtown Jasper
Web: facebook.com/pages/Wild-Blackberry-Festival

FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST — The men of country rule at this year’s two-day extravaganza. The king of all things honkytonk, Kenny Chesney, headlines that second annual event that brought thousands of cowboy-hat wearing fans to jam along the St. Johns River. The killer lineup also includes the Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, David Nail, Colt Ford, Danielle Bradberry and the Swon Brothers.
When: June 13-14
Where: Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web: floridacountrysuperfest.com

VETTES AT THE VILLAGE — Treat your dad to a pre-Father’s Day trip to admire the sleek lines and natty details of more than 100 late-model and custom Corvettes. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner and then enjoy lunch at Murray Bros. Caddy Shack.
When: June 20
Where: World Golf Village, St. Augustine
Web: nfca.net

DODGE BRAWL — Remember of the 5 Ds of dodgeball, at least according to movie Dodgeball’sPatches O’Houlihan — “Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge” — while competing in this 64-team, double-elimination tournament. Assemble the perfect six to 10-person team, coordinate your uniform (think matching old-school sweatbands and striped tube socks) and get ready to rock the court. The top three teams receive medals and a monetary award for the charity of their choice.
When: June 27
Where: Pensacola Bay Center
Web: pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/dodgebrawl

AMERICA ON TAP: Sips and samples will be plentiful at America On Tap’s ode to craft beer. The three-hour event will feature more than 100 releases from some of the country’s best craft breweries paired with live music and food. Breweries set to tap new releases include favorites like Abita, Bell’s and Brooklyn Brewery. More obscure labels include Guns & Oil Brewing Co. (Texas), Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (New England) and Radiant Pig (New York).
When: June 27
Where: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville
Web: americaontap.com

Original Sourse

Summer Fun in Florida

Whatever your passion or desire, North Florida has an event for you. Here are just a few of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State:

NORTH FLORIDA

SCALLOP SEASON — Don’t have the patience to sit in a boat staring at a drifting fishing line for hours on end? Try scalloping. All you need is a saltwater fishing license, snorkel, mask and dive flag — all easy to obtain from local outfitters. The rest is simple. Just start skimming the surface of St. Joseph Bay over the gorgeous grass beds of the Florida Aquatic Preserve looking for the telltale glowing blue eyes along the edge of the shells. The 2014 scalloping season begins July 1.

When: July 1-31
Where: St. Joseph’s Bay
Web: http://www.visitgulf.com/scalloping

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS — The photographers making images for the New York Times Magazine capture beauty and tragedy, glory and grit, movement and transformation in its glossy white pages. Kathy Ryan, the magazine’s director of photography, reviewed more than 1,500 issues of the magazine to pick images depicting war-torn countries, Hollywood’s fabulous old guard, New York after 9/11 and more for this exhibit.

When: July 1-31
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville
Web: http://www.mocajacksonville.org

 

 



EL GALEON TOUR — Experience 16^th-century life aboard El Galeón, a full-scale reconstruction of a Spanish galleon used by the country to roam the little known waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Spain to the “New World.” Embark on a self-guided walking tour above and below deck while making time to talk to the ship’s current crew about ship life. El Galeón was just featured in NBC’s new TV show Crossbones.

When: July 1-15
Where: St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Web: www.elgaleon.org

LA FLORIDA: 500 YEARS IN THE PLACE OF FLOWERS — Tourists flock to Florida for our sugar-sand beaches and myriad amusement parks — only to be also wowed by the state’s natural beauty. John Moran, a Gainesville nature photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Smithsonian, captured the rainbow-hued, flower-filled visions of paradise in large-format photography.

When: July 1-31
Where: Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
Web: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

NIGHTTIME EDUCATIONAL BEACH WALKS — Explore the Gulf Coast beaches under the stars with George Grey, the Okaloosa County’s Sea Turtle Coordinator for almost two decades. Learn about sea turtles’ nesting habits and other beach wildlife on this free guided walk. Reservations are required.

When: July 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
Where: Okaloosa Island and Destin
Web: http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events.aspx

APALACHICOLA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION — Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth in historic coastal Apalachicola with a red, white and blue-themed golf cart and bike parade, ice cream social and fireworks. And because it IS Florida, stuff yourself with fried shrimp and Low Country boil instead of the more traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.

When: July 3
Where: Lafayette Park, Apalachicola
Web: http://www.saltyflorida.com/events/apalachicola-independence-day-celebration/920/

STARS & STRIPES AT SEASIDE: A JULY 4TH CELEBRATION — Embrace your flag-waving, patriotic fervor and dress in red, white and blue for a day of “God Bless the USA” festivities beginning in the morning with the Annual July 4th parade along State Road 30A and concluding with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s concert and fireworks finale under the stars. The lawn fills up quickly so arrive early to get a prime location.

When: July 4
Where: State Road 30A and the Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside
Web: www.seasidefl.com



UNION GARRISON — Welcome to 1864. Think women in corsets and high boots, men doing their daily marching drills and young drummer boys bringing the Civil War-era fort to life. Visitors can interact with these living historians during firearms and cooking demos. Or beat the deep summer heat and enjoy the Fort during the Saturday night candlelight viewing.

When: July 5-6
Where: Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Web: http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS AT THE FLORIDA THEATRE — Introduce the next generation to these retro ‘80s fanboy classics: The Never Ending Story, Goonies, Batman (the Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson version) and Gremlins. Arrive early to escape July’s warmth while exploring the lavish and fantasy-inspired Mediterranean Revival interior of the 1920s theatre, one of four historic movie palaces left in the state. Don’t miss the indoor courtyard with its grand balcony and star-filled ceiling.

When: July 5, 12, 18, 26
Where: Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
Web: http://floridatheatre.com

PENSACOLA BEACH AIR SHOW — Grounded for most of 2013 because of budget cutbacks, the Blues are back! The Blue Angels, who call Pensacola Beach home, are airborne again with a 2014 calendar that features 38 appearances nationwide. Catch them on their home turf at the annual air show. Also features Fat Albert, Julian McQueen, Roy Kinsey, Gary Ward, Team Aerodynamix and Skip Stewart.

When: July 11-12
Where: Pensacola Beach
Web: http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/events/pensacola-beach-air-show.php

36TH ANNUAL SWAMP STOMP MUSIC FESTIVAL — Spread your blanket under the live oaks and enjoy an acoustic music serenade by singer-songwriters during this Big Bend mid-summer staple. From folk music’s twang to deep Southern blues, the 52-acre park will also delight youth with outdoor games, living history demos and the Tree to Tree zipline adventures.

When: July 12
Where: Tallahassee Museum
Web: http://tallahasseemuseum.org

FIESTA DE SAN FERMIN EN PENSACOLA — In Pamplona, thousands run through the city streets, defying death as they are chased by snorting, slobbering half-ton bulls made famous by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. Pensacola’s cheeky (and safety conscious) salute to the “encierro” is to task members of the female roller-derby league wielding wiffle ball bats as bulls chasing down red kerchief-wearing participants in this 2-mile adventure. Other events include a Spanish wine dinner and a procession honoring San Fermin, the Patron Saint of Pamplona.

When: July 17-19
Where: Seville Quarters
Web: http://www.sevillequarter.com/events/2014-running-bulls

CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT FAIR — Start your holiday shopping early -- really early -- at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement’s annual craft fair. Pick up goodies such as handmade soaps, baked treats, works by local artisans, quilts and more. Once you’re shopped out take a free guided tour of the settlement.

When: July 19
Where: Blountstown
Web: http://www.panhandlepioneer.org

CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE LUNCH AND LEARN: WORLD WAR II VETERANS AND THE CIVIL RIGHT MOVEMENT — For this special lecture, veteran and University of North Florida graduate student Bryan Higham will speak on the subject of the African American veterans who used military training to pursue political office and take on leadership roles within the Civil Rights movement from 1945-1960.

When: July 25
Where: The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Tallahassee
Web: http://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

BEER TRUCK WARS — Sample some of the state’s best craft brews at this event drawing on America’s addiction to gourmet eats served from a kitchen on four wheels. The details are still in the works ... but there will be beer, there will be food and it will be filling.
When: July 26
Where: Francis Field, St. Augustine
Web: www.beertruckwars.com

Nation's Oldest City . . .

 

 

 

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

 

 

 

The architectural legacy of the city's past is much younger, testimony to the impermanent quality of the earliest structures and to St. Augustine's troubled history. Only the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, completed in the late seventeenth century, survived destruction of the city by invading British forces in 1702.

 

 

Vestiges of the First Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1764) remain today in St. Augustine in the form of the town plan originally laid out by Governor Gonzalo Méndez de Canzo in the late sixteenth century and in the narrow streets and balconied houses that are identified with the architecture introduced by settlers from Spain. Throughout the modern city and within its Historic Colonial District, there remain thirty-six buildings of colonial origin and another forty that are reconstructed models of colonial buildings.

 

 



St. Augustine can boast that it contains the only urban nucleus in the United States whose street pattern and architectural ambiance reflect Spanish origins.

 

 

 

Historians credit Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of the Island of Puerto Rico, with the discovery of Florida in 1513. While on an exploratory trip in search of the fabled Bimini he sighted the eastern coast of Florida on Easter Sunday, which fell on March 27 that year. Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for the Spanish Crown and named it Florida after the Easter season, known in Spanish as PASCUA FLORIDA. This newly claimed territory extended north and west to encompass most of the known lands of the North American continent that had not been claimed by the Spanish in New Spain (Mexico and the Southwest).

 

 

In the following half century, the government of Spain launched no less than six expeditions attempting to settle Florida; all failed. In 1564 French Huguenots (Protestants) succeeded in establishing a fort and colony near the mouth of the St. Johns River at what is today Jacksonville. This settlement posed a threat to the Spanish fleets that sailed the Gulf Stream beside the east coast of Florida, carrying treasure from Central and South America to Spain. As Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was assembling a fleet for an expedition to Florida, the French intrusion upon lands claimed by Spain was discovered. King Philip II instructed Menéndez, Spain's most capable admiral, to remove the French menace to Spain's interests.

 

 

Continue to Full Story

It's not North Florida, but . . .

I love St Simons Island. And it's worth a look, if you ever find yourself in North Florida.

 

 

 

 

St. Simon Island, GA is home to fabulous beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, and a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment for everyone. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are what make it so special.

 

Visit St Simon Guide for more information

 

 

 

 

Jacksonville Florida Beach Activities . . .

 

Immerse yourself in Jacksonville’s 21 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches. Visitors will find plenty to do, with diverse activities, family fun, restaurants and nightlife, souvenir shops and oceanfront hotels blending into the scene without crowding views of the shoreline.

Start your exploration of the beaches with a refreshing walk along the wide, paved boardwalk or take to the sea on foot. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier launches out nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean and offers great views of the coastline. Admission is only $1 for pedestrians, fishermen are $4.

Explore the beach’s colorful history with a stop at the Beaches Museum & History Center in Jacksonville Beach. With its replica boardwalk filled with photos and displays, visitors will be whisked back in time to an era when Jacksonville's beaches were the playground of politicians, celebrities, gangsters and socialites. The museum is also home to one of four Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers.

If you prefer water immersion to dry land, take a surf lesson from a local surf shop like Aqua East or search the ocean for dolphins and sand bars that come and go with the tide. Kayak Amelia offers family-friendly guided excursions, including the Shell Hunter and Island Hopper tour where paddlers discover what the tide leaves behind on sand bars – sharks’ teeth, shells, crabs and more. Or head out to sea on the Dutton Island Dolphin Adventure. You'll not only catch glimpses of dolphin, but also Florida’s birds and manatees.

 Learn more about our beach activities

Historic Mayport Village

 

Mayport's history began with the Timucuan Indians, who lived in what is now the southeastern United States for more than 5,000 years.  These Indians developed a high level of technological achievement compared to otherNorth American Indian cultures.  Their life styles were recorded by Jacques Le Moyne, an artist who accompanied French explorer Jean Ribault.

When Ribault arrived to explore the area of Mayport and the St. Johns River of Northeast Florida, his landing site was Batten Island, across from present day Mayport Village.  Ribault entered the river on the first day of May in 1562 with three ships.  Upon Ribault's arrival he was met by the Timucuans, led by Chief Satouriba.  After a short settlement, the French were expelled by a Spanish force from St. Augustine.  Spain then ruled Florida until 1821 when it was ceded to the United States.

Historians have no recorded date for the original settlement of Mayport Village.  The suggested dates range from 1562 when the French first settled to 1828 when the area really began to grow.  Early settlers of Mayport came from France, Portugal and the island of Minorca.  These people were fishermen and they thrived due to the close proximity of the continental shelf and large quantities of fish.  

Fishing has been the major economic base for the Village, but in the early days Mayport also supported itself through the lumber industry.  Mayport Mills was the name of the fishing village until the end of the Civil War.  Mayport was also a well known resort town during the 1800s, gaining a bold reputation with its hotels, prize fighters and taverns.  Tourists from Jacksonville would cruise down the St. Johns River for a scenic ride along the Mayport coast.  Boats would then dock and the passengers would dine or stay overnight.

Until 1899, boat transportation was the major access into and out of Mayport.  Since Mayport was important for incoming and outgoing cargo, the Jacksonville and Atlantic Railroad was built to connect Mayport with Jacksonville.  A railroad dock was then built where cargo would be transshipped inland.  The dock stood where the present day U.S. Coast Guard Station now stands.  The railway lasted until 1919 when it was abandoned.  The fishing village became semi-isolated until Word War II with the construction of the U.S. Naval Air Station.

Learn more about Mayport